Clovelly

Business Details

Your Gateway to Clovelly's Timeless Beauty

Nestled on the rugged North Devon coastline, Clovelly stands as a testament to centuries of maritime heritage and architectural preservation. As custodians of this historic fishing village, we have meticulously maintained its cobbled streets, traditional cottages, and working harbour, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into England's coastal past. Our estate encompasses the 18th-century Red Lion Hotel, where guests awaken to the rhythmic sounds of the sea, and the renowned Clovelly Court Gardens, whose Victorian greenhouses yield produce for our hospitality offerings.

Through careful stewardship, we balance historical integrity with modern visitor needs, providing curated experiences that include guided tours, seasonal festivals, and educational workshops. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in conservation initiatives and tree-planting programmes, ensuring this unique environment thrives for future generations. With accolades from national media and a legacy of royal associations dating back to William the Conqueror, Clovelly remains a beacon of unspoiled English charm.

Services

Historical Tours Garden Visits Luxury Accommodation Event Hosting Heritage Workshops Maritime Museum Access

Highlights and features

We offer 800 years of uninterrupted maritime heritage preservation
Our cliffside location provides unique, vehicle-free visitor experiences
Victorian greenhouses supply fresh produce to our 4-star Red Lion Hotel
Award-winning gardens feature in Country Living and The Telegraph
We maintain conservation initiatives across our 400-acre coastal estate

What people say

Picture-perfect fishing village Template for idyllic English coastal village Unique and unforgettable experience Best village in the UK Exceptional historical preservation

Website

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Services

Historical Tours

Explore England's best-preserved medieval fishing village through guided tours of historic buildings and maritime landmarks. Discover 800 years of royal connections and seafaring traditions while walking cobbled streets inaccessible to vehicles. Audio-visual exhibits and museum displays bring centuries of coastal history to life for visitors of all ages.

Garden Visits

Wander through 19th-century walled gardens featuring rare plant species and restored Victorian greenhouses. Learn about sustainable horticulture practices that supply fresh produce to our restaurant while enjoying panoramic sea views from landscaped terraces. Seasonal illuminations transform the gardens into a magical evening destination during winter festivals.

Luxury Accommodation

Experience 4-star comfort at the Red Lion Hotel, where 17 individually-decorated rooms combine period features with modern amenities. Each sea-facing room offers uninterrupted views of the ancient harbour and North Atlantic waves. Guests enjoy exclusive early access to village attractions and locally-sourced gourmet dining experiences with garden-fresh ingredients.

Event Hosting

Participate in annual traditions like the Herring Festival and Christmas Illuminations that celebrate coastal heritage. Our cliffside setting provides a dramatic backdrop for weddings, corporate events, and private functions in historic venues. Seasonal workshops teach traditional crafts and maritime skills in authentic 18th-century surroundings.

Heritage Workshops

Engage in hands-on experiences preserving traditional coastal trades through pottery, net-making, and boat-building demonstrations. Our educational programmes cater to school groups and families seeking immersive learning about maritime history and sustainable fishing practices. Expert-led sessions connect modern visitors with centuries-old artisan techniques.

Questions

Why does Clovelly charge entry fees?

Entrance fees maintain our 400ft cliffside village, historic buildings, and gardens. They fund conservation projects and support the care of our working donkeys.

What's included in the admission price?

Entry grants access to the village streets, Clovelly Court Gardens, Fisherman's Cottage museum, Kingsley Museum, and audio-visual heritage exhibits.

Can visitors stay overnight in Clovelly?

Yes, the 4-star Red Lion Hotel offers 17 sea-view rooms in a historic quayside building with direct access to village attractions.

Is Clovelly accessible for wheelchair users?

While the steep High Street is unsuitable, key attractions including the Visitor Centre, donkey stables, and craft workshops are wheelchair accessible.

What historical significance does Clovelly hold?

Owned by William the Conqueror and featured in Charles Kingsley's Westward Ho!, Clovelly has been continuously inhabited since the 13th century with unbroken royal associations until 1242.

Are pets allowed in Clovelly?

Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the village, with special access to coastal walks and dog-friendly accommodation at the Red Lion Hotel.

Reviews (5)

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Jim Stringer

Jun 13, 2022 Report

Utterly beautiful, a real gem. Clovelly is a private village, therefore, there is a fee of 8.50, but, I assure you, it's worth it. All properties here are rented, the fee is for the upkeep of the village. The visitor centre is impressive, a large cafe with outdoor seating, equally large shop selling various gifts & local confectionary. The walk into the village is very steep & cobbled, be careful when it's wet, leading down to the harbour where you'll find breathtaking views across the bay, a large hotel here, (Red Lion), open to non residents.

Various properties can be viewed on the way down to the harbour. For those who don't want to walk back up the hill, a landrover, seating about 6 or 8 people will take you back to the visitor centre. I can't praise this beautiful place enough.

Ed Stekelenburg

Jun 08, 2022 Report

Clovelly is one of the most beautiful villages I've ever seen. The cottages, the people and the stories. Make sure you start watching the 20 minutes video, not only to get an idea behind the history and culture, but also to get into the right mood to see everything yourself. The video is at the main building (just down the stairs to the right, passed the toilets). You have free access to the village within one week after your visit; we used that for a wonderful walk to Mill Mouth and enjoyed amazing nature and stunning views! Oh, and you can also visit the Victorian garden (included, which is very charming and you also have a great view from there!

Harry Green

May 15, 2022 Report

Worth doing to see if you're like a mountain goat. Pebble or mini cobbles are slippery when wet. Friends people in the village considering how many tourist frequent the place. Landy ride back up the hill is worth the money and avoids a trip the A&E!

Paul Sharp

May 09, 2022 Report

Very pleasant site to visit worth the trip very good restaurant at entrance and public house at base of hill. Hard going in feet if walking down or alternatively by paid land rover only transport on site. Well kept private village.

Barbara Z.

Apr 21, 2022 Report

Amazing place, very picturesque. My daughter loved stacking stones on the beach. Be aware of going back as it's a very steep hill all the way up and there is no other way to get to the car park :) We visited during the week and the food in a pub was very limited, with few positions on the menu already gone before the lunch time began (including fish and chips) and restaurant was closed. Other than than very enjoyable